Ashes 2025-26: Joe Root and Travis Head headline tug of war on day 2 at SCG

An unbeaten 91 by Travis Head helped Australia respond strongly after Joe Root's 160 powered England to 384 on day two of the ongoing fifth Test of the Ashes at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

England suffered an immediate setback after the play began in front of a capacity crowd as Scott Boland dismissed Harry Brook after England added just 15 runs to their overnight score of 211. A century was there for the taking for Brook, but the England vice-captain edged one to Steve Smith and departed after scoring a 97-ball 84.

Root continued in his nonchalant ways despite losing his partner and registered his second Test ton on the Aussie turf. He added 94 runs for the sixth wicket alongside wicketkeeper Jamie Smith and took the tourists beyond the 300-run mark.

Smith also displayed a lot of composure during his 46-run knock; however, he just threw it away in the end and cost England a mammoth first innings total. Smith slapped a shoulder-high short delivery (130 kph) off Marnus Labuschagne to deep cover, and Boland safely pouched it.

Will Jacks (27) added 52 runs with Root to take England past 350, but couldn't hang around long enough to propel them over 400. Root was the ninth wicket to fall as England folded for 384. Michael Neser was the pick of all the Aussie bowlers as he finished with figures of 4/60.

No end to England's 'Head-ache'

Travis Head began Australia's charge with the willow and stitched a 57-run opening stand with Jake Weatherald. Weatherald looked good for his 21 but couldn't really kick on and convert his start into a big one. He played across the line to a straighter delivery from Ben Stokes and was adjudged lbw.

England failed to use the opening as Labuschagne and Head combined to add 105 runs for the second wicket. Head ensured that the hosts kept rolling at over four and over as he pounced on anything loose square of the wicket. He is unbeaten on 91 off 87 balls.

Labuschagne, who drove beautifully throughout his innings, fell for a half-volley outside off as Stokes got his second pole of the day. Nightwatcher Michael Neser and Head survived the remaining overs before the umpires called stumps as Australia finished on 166/2.